tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2315095713538124262019-01-21T08:14:23.321-08:00Fret Not YourselfScrap quilts, improvisational quilts, and art quilts
with occasional forays into travel and books.Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12922656955543465650noreply@blogger.comBlogger427125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-231509571353812426.post-447482788986058312019-01-15T03:00:00.001-08:002019-01-15T03:00:03.228-08:00Color Study Baby Quilt Gifted<div style="text-align: center;">"The real issue in life is not how many blessings we have, but what we do with our blessings.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">Some people have many blessing and hoard them.<br />Some have few and give everything away."&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">~ Fred Rogers ~</div><div style="text-align: center;">________________</div><br />I've certainly been on a quilting roll these past few weeks. There's lots of non-sewing stuff to do, too, but I'm incentivized by the number of babies arriving soon. {So much for the plan to have a small stack at the ready. These are heading out as fast as they are finished.} Not that I'm complaining.<br /><br />The first, larger <a href="https://fretnotyourself.blogspot.com/2018/10/color-study-chinese-coins-finished.html" target="_blank">Color Study</a> was quilted and gifted a couple of months ago to a special friend who shares my love of color. These blocks were the "leftovers"; the extras. Still bright; just enough for a baby/toddler quilt. Only waiting for another person whose heart sings with color. And then...<br /><br />A young friend is expecting her second baby. Her oldest received <a href="https://fretnotyourself.blogspot.com/2016/10/spiderweb-quilt-finished-and.html" target="_blank">Suhavi's Stars</a>&nbsp;and this one almost matches it in cheerful color...<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fl5bJ54YAtg/XBZykHQwwPI/AAAAAAAAyOk/uvavUQhwtKIJnwt6MtEKZQ3RoadR_y_5gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181216_070854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1570" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fl5bJ54YAtg/XBZykHQwwPI/AAAAAAAAyOk/uvavUQhwtKIJnwt6MtEKZQ3RoadR_y_5gCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20181216_070854.jpg" title="Color Study 2 Chinese Coins baby quilt" width="628" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Color Study 2 Chinese Coins baby quilt for a second baby</td></tr></tbody></table><br />&nbsp;especially with the addition of bright orange on the back!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oiHNgnyZr3A/XBZys0PTuzI/AAAAAAAAyOs/mu52MKwV6UYMFRkXpMpT2I0UvDWWYGfWwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181216_071157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1446" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oiHNgnyZr3A/XBZys0PTuzI/AAAAAAAAyOs/mu52MKwV6UYMFRkXpMpT2I0UvDWWYGfWwCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20181216_071157.jpg" width="578" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Color Study 2 baby quilt binding and quilting details</td></tr></tbody></table><br />My first thought was to bind it in similar bright oranges but they didn't show well with the back. Given all the colors, no binding seemed to work with them all. There are; however, many green and blue fabrics which blended well with this green stripe binding. It looks good against the orange back, too.<br /><br />Since the idea worked so well last time, I quilted with the same cross-hatching as the first Color Study. Certainly running quilting lines in two directions adds strength; always an important point when the quilt will get so much use.<br /><br />It arrived just before the baby. Hooray.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Size: 45" x 45"</div><div style="text-align: center;">Pattern: Chinese Coins variation</div><div style="text-align: center;">Batting: Mountain Mist Cream Rose 100% cotton</div><div style="text-align: center;">Thread: Aurifil 50-wt grey cotton&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">Quilting: Walking foot grid</div><br />Previous post: <a href="https://fretnotyourself.blogspot.com/2018/07/making-leftover-blocks-work-in-baby.html" target="_blank">Sewing the top</a><br /><br />A big&nbsp;<b>Thank You</b>&nbsp;to the many hundreds of you who've updated your blogs to&nbsp;<a href="https://fretnotyourself.blogspot.com/2019/01/how-safe-is-your-site.html" target="_blank">the safer https form</a>. So many people have emailed, posted comments, and actually flipped the switch on their blogs. I'm thrilled. Quilters are a strong, kind, and helpful group. You've shown it again with your commitment to helping keep the internet safe for everyone.&nbsp; 🎉🎉<br /><br />Let's keep the momentum going. Check your sidebar blogs for https and let those quilters know that their blog needs to be switched also. Simply hover over the blog title. If it starts with https, it's safe. If not, it's not.<br /><br />The next <a href="https://adhocimprovquilts.blogspot.com/2019/01/red-is-neutral-ahiq-invitation.html" target="_blank">AHIQ invitation is posted</a>. We hope you’ll join us.<br /><br />Finally: guess who came to dinner? While walking to dinner last night we spied a pair of raccoons playing in the gutter.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KiWyJsM6k2k/XC8EEeIa5BI/AAAAAAAAyxg/ot7v1N_XhRg8VCuuQ4Q-fIgFRTmDGc5-gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181231_173114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KiWyJsM6k2k/XC8EEeIa5BI/AAAAAAAAyxg/ot7v1N_XhRg8VCuuQ4Q-fIgFRTmDGc5-gCKgBGAs/s400/IMG_20181231_173114.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pair of raccoons in the gutter</td></tr></tbody></table><br />They quickly hid but then popped out again to see if we'd share. A reminder that wildlife is more adaptable than we think.<br /><br />Enjoy the day, AnnAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12922656955543465650noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-231509571353812426.post-46905775901832870932019-01-12T11:53:00.002-08:002019-01-13T10:00:25.736-08:00How Safe is Your Site?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Last year I <a href="https://fretnotyourself.blogspot.com/2017/10/putting-top-together-and-switching-to.html" target="_blank">posted about switching to https from http</a>. If you haven't done this, you need to read the post and make the change. It's VERY EASY to do. This is a safety and security issue even if {like me} you aren't a commercial site. Why? Http is an old system and has serious and known flaws that allow hackers to breach your site.<br /><br />Recently I noticed several of my old linkups mysteriously had a photo of a car added to the quilts. My site is https but the linkup company I used had a flaw that Google warned me about. Simply deleting the linkup wasn't enough. Those linkups with the car photo stubbornly remained. The hackers came through that flaw and added the code <i style="font-weight: bold;">into MY post</i>. I had to delete the string of code in HTML. {I'm a not a professional coder so my solution was to delete everything from my signature on down.} If you check, you'll see the explanation I added.<br /><br />What I did NOT do was click on that car link. That could have compromised my computer. By adding their own link, the hackers could make it point to any site they wanted. I'm sure "sinister people" pay them to link a porn site, a bitcoin or Nigerian scam, or something else through my innocent post. I'd seen an uptick in odd sites to my blog and was trying to track them down.<br /><br />If you don't have https and/or you link to sites that aren't https, you are helping criminals. <b>Please don't.&nbsp;</b><br /><br /><br />The world moves on.<br /><br />Lately some of the blogs on my sidebar have been "coming up blank." I click on them but the page doesn't appear. In fact, all that appears is <a href="https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95617?hl=en" target="_blank">one of these icons</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-owf58YB0NXM/XDt8pQ1qsRI/AAAAAAAAzEE/CJlxg7Otlnkkc7Ot78K29AbiERtC4JF9QCKgBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-01-13%2Bat%2B9.57.26%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="264" data-original-width="462" height="113" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-owf58YB0NXM/XDt8pQ1qsRI/AAAAAAAAzEE/CJlxg7Otlnkkc7Ot78K29AbiERtC4JF9QCKgBGAs/s200/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-01-13%2Bat%2B9.57.26%2BAM.png" width="200" /></a></div><br />I use Chrome, a Google product. In May, <a href="https://www.searchenginejournal.com/chrome-browser-https/253801/" target="_blank">Google announced they would start flagging insecure sites</a>&nbsp;because most sites worldwide now use https and it's better to call out the laggards. Now it appears they've moved to the next step to help keep us all safe: Chrome won't let me go to sites that aren't https. I asked DH and found out I could override this choice. Hey, I'm an adult. But that would be like taking those <strike>stupid</strike>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2019/01/12/us/utah-birdbox-challenge-crash/index.html" target="_blank">ridiculous bird box challenges</a>.<br /><br />I mean, really.<br /><br />If the experts {among whom I am NOT included} think it's foolhardy to go to an insecure site, why would I override them? Even if your site is only an innocuous quilting blog, too many nasty people can hack in through it. So...<br /><br />I checked and I can get there on Safari. But I won't. If you aren't https:, you won't see me until you are.<br /><br />Please. And thank you. AnnAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12922656955543465650noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-231509571353812426.post-37891241315683389462019-01-08T03:00:00.001-08:002019-01-09T02:53:13.594-08:00A Finish and an Annual Review<span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Still turning tops into quilts and this is the latest. Hooray. Simple parallel lines using the walking foot always make an effective design on Coins.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"></span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DpLjw9JeewE/XCfU6uBEy_I/AAAAAAAAyk4/bZqTLNkurpQEOB_coC2F4rslQxI15nkBQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181229_100808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1432" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DpLjw9JeewE/XCfU6uBEy_I/AAAAAAAAyk4/bZqTLNkurpQEOB_coC2F4rslQxI15nkBQCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20181229_100808.jpg" title="Chinese Coins XI quilt of light scraps" width="572" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-family: &quot;times&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: small;">Chinese Coins XI quilt</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">One of my irrational fears is that the seam will fray or rip.</span><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">&nbsp;Stitching in the ditch is one way to assuage that, plus it helps stabilize the layers when quilting on a domestic machine. Then I stitch a "presser foot" away from the seam on each side and end by halving the remaining space until it looks right.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><br /></span></span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7kRBbtcQ0I4/XCfU_rnszNI/AAAAAAAAylA/m_pTJSB_Lp4kIk6z4YfSVChFWSy3PdMBgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181229_101044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7kRBbtcQ0I4/XCfU_rnszNI/AAAAAAAAylA/m_pTJSB_Lp4kIk6z4YfSVChFWSy3PdMBgCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20181229_101044.jpg" title="Parallel quilting lines on Chinese Coins XI quilt" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-family: &quot;times&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: small;">Parallel quilting on Chinese Coins XI quilt</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">I planned to quilt with blue thread until I looked at the back. It's all peach so a change of plan was in order.&nbsp; There was just enough of the daisies on aqua fabric for binding. It makes a good contrast with the back while also blending with the front.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><br /></span></span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-euOCQvadrrw/XCfU8nMPKII/AAAAAAAAyk8/07x_uMy_ceMPeQw9WDd7WsDAPdqlFESsACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181229_101003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-euOCQvadrrw/XCfU8nMPKII/AAAAAAAAyk8/07x_uMy_ceMPeQw9WDd7WsDAPdqlFESsACKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20181229_101003.jpg" width="494" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-family: &quot;times&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: small;">Binding and backing of Chinese Coins XI quilt</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">After a couple of days quilting, this one is ready to go.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><br /></span> </span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Quilt Details</span></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Size: 58" x 62"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Design: Chinese Coins</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Batting: Mountain Mist Cream Rose 100% cotton</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Thread: Peach Gutterman cotton</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Quilting: Walking foot parallel lines</span></div><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Previous posts:</span></span><br /><ol><li><a href="https://fretnotyourself.blogspot.com/2018/09/clearing-scrap-bag.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Using scraps</span></a></li><li><a href="https://fretnotyourself.blogspot.com/2018/09/chinese-coins-xi-top.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Top sewn</span></a></li></ol><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>2018 Review</b></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Finding myself in an extremely prolific "quilt-'em'-up-and-move-'em-out" mode, it's difficult to stop and write a thoughtful post about the past year. One lazy excuse is that finished <a href="https://fretnotyourself.blogspot.com/p/2018-quilts.html" target="_blank">2018 quilts already have their own page</a>; however, reflecting on my previous goals versus results helped the last two years... although I seem to ignore goals at wil</span><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">l.&nbsp;</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">The tally? Seventeen quilts, one Christmas stocking, and one quilt repair.&nbsp;</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">M</span><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">ore were small. {Another goal met.} Nine baby, four toddler/lap size and four full size quilts.&nbsp;</span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Looking back, this has been a year of Chinese Coins quilts. The overwhelming reason/excuse is the September workshop for my guild. Deadlines are always an incentive. Paying attention to fabric selection was a goal that is visible in these quilts. It is evident {to me at least} in the original fabric pulls as well as the many columns of colors. I enjoyed those first pulls and then sorting them by values, colors, or arranging them randomly.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Eight finished quilts were Chinese Coin variations while four spun out of the Bars workshop. Only one was specifically for me. Two Coins are held for future workshops but everything else was gifted or is ready to be.&nbsp;</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Most of the Coin quilts have a similar arrangement as I worked through </span><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">iterative examples of the class but a few explore some other ways to use Coins such as Medallions and&nbsp;</span></span><a href="https://fretnotyourself.blogspot.com/2018/01/chinese-coins-ii-quilted.html" style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot;, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Stacked Coins</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><br /></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bKMuKCAzx_8/XDC2S7owg_I/AAAAAAAAy0w/n4H8aWrA8Ioe5xe6RgW9c9KBsjeywLcZwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_7998-COLLAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"></span></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0JTuLC3iS-Q/XDQTCz3LfzI/AAAAAAAAy8M/zx5q5IIgfdck52YtpFiQ0gBsfcdKOX1EgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_7842-COLLAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0JTuLC3iS-Q/XDQTCz3LfzI/AAAAAAAAy8M/zx5q5IIgfdck52YtpFiQ0gBsfcdKOX1EgCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_7842-COLLAGE.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Representative sample of 2018 finished quilts&nbsp;</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">I drafted the Racetrack quilt and used templates for the Spiderweb but improvised the others. For me that means working in small units and pausing along the way to see what is needed for the next step. Repetition is important and usually some grid-like structures. While I admire wild piecing, it's not what I create. In fact, t</span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">he past year is mostly one block designs. Scientific Pinwheels is the only one combining two blocks: Coins and pinwheels in two sizes. I think I'll expand my design choices a bit in 2019.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">&nbsp;</span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">About half of my 2018 plans were met: smaller quilts, simpler quilting designs, using scraps + recyclables + new fabrics, and paying attention to color selection. A couple of quilts have more details but that effort could be improved. So far, so good.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">On the other hand, none of the listed quilts was finished nor did I write the baseball quilt pattern. My idea was to post it through Craftsy. However, they've been sold and deleted many existing patterns/contributors so that doesn't seem viable. I'll have to find another way to publish - if I ever get it done. Any advice is welcome.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br />Overall last year's plans are things I want to continue. {Perhaps those WIPs will actually be finished this time around. Ha.} <a href="https://fretnotyourself.blogspot.com/2018/11/the-square-deal-and-venice-canals.html" target="_blank">The Square Deal</a>, which started from leftover Coins, is almost ready to be quilted. Considering how much I like borders, I've become lax/lazy with them... they are frequently missing and that needs to change.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br />Finally I purchased some clothing patterns and pulled out a few old ones. Finding clothes that fit my more casual lifestyle is difficult and this may be a solution. Ideally I would have clothes that fit in fabrics and colors I prefer. We'll see.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><br /></span></span><br /><ol style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"></ol><span style="font-family: &quot;times&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">2019 Plans</b></span></span><br /><ol style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Write it up: baseball quilt pattern.</span></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Keep them moving: quilt tops and finish several WIPs.</span></span></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Consider: borders, stars, and medallions.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Continue combinations: recycled + scraps + new fabrics; traditional + improvisation + original designs.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Sew some clothes.</span></li></ol><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"></span>Enjoy the day, Ann</span>Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12922656955543465650noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-231509571353812426.post-87256990936113479852019-01-01T03:00:00.000-08:002019-01-05T17:21:18.537-08:00Quilt Repair, Lights, and an Infinity ScarfHappy New Year! Hopefully 2019 is a year of recovery and peace worldwide; a time for us to embrace the best of our beliefs in common humanity and kindness.<br /><br />In addition to human grandchildren, I have two granddogs {GD1 and GD2.} GD1 has the charming habit of digging underwear out of the dirty laundry, draping it around his neck and prancing around the house whenever guests are present. {No photos of this; just take my word for it.}<br /><br />GD2 has a very delicate constitution which somehow still allows him to eat aforementioned underwear, socks, and parts of quilts. The first two are funny, until you have to take him to the vet. The latter is always reprehensible. We hope he is growing out of this stage but truthfully, it's only slowing down thus far.<br /><br />Last time I visited, several chewed quilts came to my attention. Most of them I tossed and replaced {with their permission} but one had too many memories -&nbsp;<a href="https://fretnotyourself.blogspot.com/2016/09/vintage-t-shirt-quilt.html" target="_blank">a high school t-shirt quilt</a>&nbsp;now hosting three holes. One on the border, a small one in the interior and a very large one {almost one entire shirt.} Home it came for repairs.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-emsDSNuzNJY/XA7AF955JxI/AAAAAAAAx1Q/M1CjRwAC0YsrUEZKRx9hBq3JthOhZoY_wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181210_103029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1278" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-emsDSNuzNJY/XA7AF955JxI/AAAAAAAAx1Q/M1CjRwAC0YsrUEZKRx9hBq3JthOhZoY_wCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20181210_103029.jpg" width="510" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Repaired t-shirt quilt</td></tr></tbody></table><br />First I washed the quilt. Then, after measuring the holes, I covered them with the same Hobbs 80/20 cotton/poly batting, zigzagged around the perimeter of the hole, and trimmed the batting back to that stitch line.<br /><br />Next I patched the backs. I pulled a red and a blue fabric to patch the smaller two holes back and front. The rectangles were cut and turned before being hand stitched in place. No, I didn't try to "match" the mend on each side. It seemed better to minimize some of the seam bulk by letting them do their own thing.<br /><br />After much deliberation I used a busy outer space themed fabric to repair the front. I considered making a block {plane, car, flying geese, cross} to fill the area but decided the diner dome {sort of } matched the snowy mountain on the original t-shirt. And the color definitely fits the quilt well.<br /><br />The largest hole uses some leftover improv blocks on the back. Sadly part of his name was chewed away. The improv pieces seemed to fit that center though; even the colors blend well. Who'd have thought?<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gv4OjTfxZto/XA7Bm-j3mZI/AAAAAAAAx1c/XS1-PW-kVTk9hSTFL42ZCc-jAj2S8fkLwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181210_103326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1233" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gv4OjTfxZto/XA7Bm-j3mZI/AAAAAAAAx1c/XS1-PW-kVTk9hSTFL42ZCc-jAj2S8fkLwCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20181210_103326.jpg" width="492" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mended t-shirt quilt back</td></tr></tbody></table><br />With both sides mended, I free-motion quilted the repairs, then bound the section on the edge.<br /><br />It's back with the original recipient. Hopefully, GD2 won't need a midnight snack again.<br /><br /><br /><b><u>Lights</u></b><br /><b><u><br /></u></b>DH outdid himself for Christmas. I mentioned needing LED lights like <a href="https://patcherymenagerie.blogspot.com/2018/07/let-there-be-light.html" target="_blank">Lynne posted at Patcherie Menagerie</a> and he bought me two.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TJskubeYyuU/XA6-X1O9pdI/AAAAAAAAx1E/JfRyFAa9_zY52U0sQdPKQOtjI9xzjsxbwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181210_110951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1272" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TJskubeYyuU/XA6-X1O9pdI/AAAAAAAAx1E/JfRyFAa9_zY52U0sQdPKQOtjI9xzjsxbwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20181210_110951.jpg" width="254" /></a></div><br /><br />Slightly different maker but they certainly light up my quilts. Only 20 watts but 1400-1600 lumens each. What a difference. Thanks for the tip, Lynne.<br /><br /><br /><b><u>Scarf</u></b><br /><br />Going into cleanup mode, I almost tossed the silk remnant I purchased three years ago. Then I found some silk thread in the drawer. I gave myself an evening to <i>finally</i> make the infinity scarf or toss them. The deadline was met.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c8sYPDp5-eo/XB0r9MATkEI/AAAAAAAAyXg/rZQlb4RB6CgOleZivMfzfepWsqJjgu9HwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181221_093144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1317" data-original-width="1600" height="526" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c8sYPDp5-eo/XB0r9MATkEI/AAAAAAAAyXg/rZQlb4RB6CgOleZivMfzfepWsqJjgu9HwCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20181221_093144.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silk infinity scarf</td></tr></tbody></table>Most of my scarves are bright so these soft colors were an attempt to try something different. I'm not sure if it needs edge stitching. It's hard to get a sharp edge on this material. And I've no idea how it will wash. Or if it's only dry cleanable. I'll have to call the shop and ask.<br /><br />Enjoy the day, AnnAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12922656955543465650noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-231509571353812426.post-83348994031008672762018-12-25T00:00:00.000-08:002018-12-25T00:00:04.637-08:00The Newest Christmas StockingMerry Christmas, y'all!<br /><br />The year began with the intention of finishing a Christmas stocking for G3 {the newest grandchild} by summer. That plan quickly dropped by the wayside. I finally finished it mid-December, working almost to the wire. It's the cutest one yet - if you like gaudy and loud.<br /><br />The white rectangle covers the recipient's name for privacy but it's written in green sequins for extra bling. 'Cause Texans can never have enough!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--2Ma779ILRQ/XAxCUwIP-dI/AAAAAAAAxig/Xm7FfuUjt0szmmUT0xF97alfc_nO_JVNACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181208_091347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="794" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--2Ma779ILRQ/XAxCUwIP-dI/AAAAAAAAxig/Xm7FfuUjt0szmmUT0xF97alfc_nO_JVNACKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20181208_091347.jpg" title="Red velveteen Christmas stocking with sequins and beads" width="316" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">G3 Christmas stocking</td></tr></tbody></table><br />All the stockings I've made have a Christmas tree<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YS4ytU_Z7VI/XAxDeYAkdcI/AAAAAAAAxjQ/tDe2jyjwnlci-sO1rRUxUfAd-bw0G2NogCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181129_102215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1518" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YS4ytU_Z7VI/XAxDeYAkdcI/AAAAAAAAxjQ/tDe2jyjwnlci-sO1rRUxUfAd-bw0G2NogCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20181129_102215.jpg" title="Red velveteen Christmas stocking with sequined Christmas tree and mitten" width="606" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas tree and mitten on velveteen stocking</td></tr></tbody></table><br />and an event from space that occurred in their birth year. This one is the Juno satellite circumnavigating Jupiter's poles. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nasajuno/" target="_blank">Juno is still actively exploring Jupiter. In fact, NASA posts photos regularly on its feed and social media.&nbsp;</a><br /><span id="goog_396084154"></span><br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2zQrhpXF9yw/XACw2n7NgWI/AAAAAAAAwxI/5ZSnOcyTO4IQBJmS1V8lGMkVaiesOXpVgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181129_102153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1324" data-original-width="1600" height="528" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2zQrhpXF9yw/XACw2n7NgWI/AAAAAAAAwxI/5ZSnOcyTO4IQBJmS1V8lGMkVaiesOXpVgCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20181129_102153.jpg" title="Juno satellite circumnavigating Jupiter, beaded Christmas stocking" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Juno satellite circumnavigating Jupiter, beaded Christmas stocking</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />Then it's open season on ornaments. My mother's stocking had pink bells which reprised on her namesake's. That was fun.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tg2cPz0gcRI/XACxBMxstII/AAAAAAAAwxM/PQ_TaZxaQXUSrkfrblAS3PBiqDa-422vwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181129_102201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1132" data-original-width="1600" height="452" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tg2cPz0gcRI/XACxBMxstII/AAAAAAAAwxM/PQ_TaZxaQXUSrkfrblAS3PBiqDa-422vwCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20181129_102201.jpg" title="Beaded Christmas bells on a stocking" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beaded Christmas bells on a stocking</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />DH suggested holly when I ran out of ideas. Well, I didn't run out of ideas but many don't work out given my limited artistic ability and use of sequins. A tiny manger was one charming idea that was never realized {Who'd believe sequins and mangers don't go together?} although there is hope I might fashion a sheep one day...<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ObAYpufeWiM/XACxZZLBRPI/AAAAAAAAwxU/ZuiK6FTPL_kHlqt_GIPkP5GJkM5wa0-lwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181129_102205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1555" data-original-width="1600" height="622" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ObAYpufeWiM/XACxZZLBRPI/AAAAAAAAwxU/ZuiK6FTPL_kHlqt_GIPkP5GJkM5wa0-lwCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20181129_102205.jpg" title="Holly and berries beaded on a Christmas stocking" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holly and berries beaded on a Christmas stocking</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Most stockings have six or seven felt-and-sequin ornaments. Any remaining space is filled with shiny snowflakes, stars, and random buttons and beads. The deer and bird buttons were special finds at a quilt show. They are plastic with a shank on the back. Very easy to add and non-toxic. The bird fit perfectly on the Christmas tree. How lucky is that?<br /><div><br /></div><div>The felt ornaments crowded the bottom this time leaving a bare spot at the top. {Someone didn't arrange them properly.} Hmm. Searching the internet, I found special glass beads that filled it perfectly. Success and a new idea.&nbsp;</div><br />I'll be upgrading all the stockings as I see them. Each branch of the family tree will get the same bead. G3 and her parents have penguins. Daddy dibs-ed them first. {Is that even a word? We said it in the past tense but there's no way to write it.} There are enough beads for a few future siblings, too. Sounds like a fun task to me but hey, we all know I'm uniquely wired.<br /><br />While the stockings aren't washable and dry cleaning will take the color off the sequins, they can be gently brushed or vacuumed and carefully stored in bins. There are other ways to make them last. For instance: Each seam is sewed twice and zigzagged around the edges. The lining doesn't extend to the toes. It only goes to the ankle so gifts won't put pressure on that angle when an orange nestles at the bottom.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GoN2NQg5aIs/XACyEEMVuSI/AAAAAAAAwxg/rKxcqEeW7qoxWa8td9PVXrmwEdJ21x-7gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181129_110931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1262" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GoN2NQg5aIs/XACyEEMVuSI/AAAAAAAAwxg/rKxcqEeW7qoxWa8td9PVXrmwEdJ21x-7gCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20181129_110931.jpg" width="504" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sewing the stocking after all beading is attached</td></tr></tbody></table><br />This stocking is hung by the chimney with care. G3 loves the way it jingles and I love sharing this heritage with another generation.<br /><br />Previous stockings with construction pointers:<br /><ol><li><a href="https://fretnotyourself.blogspot.com/2017/11/what-do-fairmont-and-my-christmas.html" target="_blank">Mine and my offspring's</a></li><li><a href="https://fretnotyourself.blogspot.com/2017/11/beading-christmas-stockings.html" target="_blank">G1 and G2 stockings in progress</a></li><li><a href="https://fretnotyourself.blogspot.com/2017/12/kaleidoscope-of-butterflies-23.html" target="_blank">More progress</a></li><li><a href="https://fretnotyourself.blogspot.com/2017/12/christmas-stockings-on-mantle-spiderweb.html" target="_blank">G1 and G2 stockings completed</a></li></ol><br /><a href="https://pieceloveandhappiness.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mel Beach</a> emailed me last week that she pulled my name for a set of <a href="https://lyric-art.myshopify.com/products/start-your-art-cards" target="_blank">Lyric Kinard's Start Your Art cards</a>. Then Lyric mailed not one, but two, sets.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9qtU5FA7FYY/XB6kAQI2N_I/AAAAAAAAyZI/XBX7gIvWQB4_Hc69fQGM4pB9FpC4SyieQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181216_085114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1421" data-original-width="1600" height="568" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9qtU5FA7FYY/XB6kAQI2N_I/AAAAAAAAyZI/XBX7gIvWQB4_Hc69fQGM4pB9FpC4SyieQCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20181216_085114.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lyric Kinard's Start Your Art cards</td></tr></tbody></table><span id="goog_1604408376"></span><span id="goog_1604408377"></span><br />They include warm up exercises to help you start making art whenever you feel blocked. I shared one set with my small group. Thank you Lyric and Mel for opening my eyes.<br /><br />Enjoy the day, AnnAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12922656955543465650noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-231509571353812426.post-40486674101275637712018-12-18T03:00:00.000-08:002018-12-18T05:47:19.929-08:00A Finish in the Nick of TimeIt's gotten cold regularly since Thanksgiving. Funny how that happens. I recognize the air cooling but don't need extra layers until... Bam! It's freezing. Now the bed has an extra winter quilt, my sweaters are front and center of the drawers, and I'm sipping hot tea throughout the day. However, one hardy hummingbird shows up at the feeder several times a day. He must use so much energy in this cold weather.<br /><br />I've secretly been planning this quilt for the other grandmother of <strike>my</strike> our darling granddaughter. And finally, it's done. And gifted. Just in time for Christmas. Hooray.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PSSRFMm6jcI/XAqoZAeNWSI/AAAAAAAAxNc/fM7MQcWJNtUdzwtlfwceOaPXuqrLnACywCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181207_083146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1566" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PSSRFMm6jcI/XAqoZAeNWSI/AAAAAAAAxNc/fM7MQcWJNtUdzwtlfwceOaPXuqrLnACywCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20181207_083146.jpg" title="Chinese Coins XII quilt with tulips" width="626" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chinese Coins XII quilt with tulips</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Once it was quilted I had some trouble choosing the binding. Green? Blue? I really liked the mottled blue and white {left side} but it's a stripe. Sewing it next to the striped border didn't seem right. Also, while there are busy {and older} prints among the Coins, the&nbsp; borders and sashing are more crisp. Oddly enough, the blue stripe is only a year or two old; one of the newest prints in this group. So it's not the age of the fabric but rather the style.<br /><br />The same applies for the busy green prints on top and right. They are just too busy.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-htqROM7UOUY/XAckmZsE0PI/AAAAAAAAxFI/hovBhhNl6hggLZpfA3s5gKObSKIcaqP2wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181204_153747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-htqROM7UOUY/XAckmZsE0PI/AAAAAAAAxFI/hovBhhNl6hggLZpfA3s5gKObSKIcaqP2wCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20181204_153747.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Binding choices</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />The green leftover binding at the top looks best. Some of the greens inside the quilt are a bit more chartreuse but this matches the outer border stripe. The length is a bit short so one of the other greens was added.<br /><br />I started the back with the center fabric in the spring colors MFG {my fellow grandmother} likes. It matches the purple and blue sashing on the front. There wasn't quite enough {as usual} and this older shirting plaid was the only thing that seemed to blend. It came from the NYC garment district a decade ago. The hues don't work with the front very well but this can just be a two-sided quilt. Aren't they all?<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c9P0sh853GU/XAqomjLJzvI/AAAAAAAAxNg/E49WSsvcc24s-bm-RWKIshBBLTqFESeKwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181207_083500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c9P0sh853GU/XAqomjLJzvI/AAAAAAAAxNg/E49WSsvcc24s-bm-RWKIshBBLTqFESeKwCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20181207_083500.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chinese Coins XII quilt back</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Any of those busy binding choices would have worked better with the back but the front is the star. The back will just have to clash a bit.<br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dLsdSJNcgow/XAqo0HXwaRI/AAAAAAAAxNk/paP_wex_iLo86766yvTkI3A7sRLevzCxACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181207_083209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dLsdSJNcgow/XAqo0HXwaRI/AAAAAAAAxNk/paP_wex_iLo86766yvTkI3A7sRLevzCxACKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20181207_083209.jpg" title="Spiral and loop quilting detail on Chinese Coins XII" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spiral and loop quilting detail on Chinese Coins XII</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Quilting designs added more fun. Spirals, leaves, loops, and fans.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SMFo7Qjhz_4/XAqpKNIPzGI/AAAAAAAAxNs/hkBrzRvF5mEpfPQA0U9uN8amI9uKD3bkgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181207_083220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SMFo7Qjhz_4/XAqpKNIPzGI/AAAAAAAAxNs/hkBrzRvF5mEpfPQA0U9uN8amI9uKD3bkgCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20181207_083220.jpg" title="Free motion quilting fans, loops, and leaves on Chinese Coins XII" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Free motion quilting fans, loops, and leaves on Chinese Coins XII</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I {sort of} matched the thread with the fabric: peach and yellow were closely matched, light blue thread for blue and purple, green on the border.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DmpGCBtnXXg/XArLrGIKA2I/AAAAAAAAxRQ/EoPdy7-SYzM8rFXpiy2xp4Bt3ZoLJiXrwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181207_110005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1175" data-original-width="1600" height="468" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DmpGCBtnXXg/XArLrGIKA2I/AAAAAAAAxRQ/EoPdy7-SYzM8rFXpiy2xp4Bt3ZoLJiXrwCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20181207_110005.jpg" title="FMQ on Chinese Coins XII quilt shows better after washing" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">FMQ on Chinese Coins XII quilt shows better after washing</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">These Coins were part of my final push to empty the scrap bag. One top worked very well but the next did not, so I </span><a href="https://fretnotyourself.blogspot.com/2018/09/still-clearing-scrap-bag.html" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">cannibalized those strings</a>, surrounded them with solid sashing, added tulip fabric for fun and ended up with this charmer. Much better.</span><br /><br /><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><div style="font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">Quilt Details</span></div><div style="font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">Size: 40" x 42"</span></div><div style="font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">Design: Chinese Coins</span></div><div style="font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">Batting: Mountain Mist Blue Ribbon100% cotton</span></div><div style="font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">Thread: blue and yellowAurifil 50/2 cotton, peach and green Gutermann cotton&nbsp;</span></div><div style="font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">Quilting: walking foot SID and FMQ motifs</span></span></div></div><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pNbooFtNjoU/XArMP8LPf6I/AAAAAAAAxRc/m8_e3BdYGagtog2z8wzvmYp9OPC6JxtZACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181207_105828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1283" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pNbooFtNjoU/XArMP8LPf6I/AAAAAAAAxRc/m8_e3BdYGagtog2z8wzvmYp9OPC6JxtZACKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20181207_105828.jpg" title="FMQ on Chinese Coins XII quilt after washing" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FMQ on Chinese Coins XII shows better after washing</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><b>Christmas Stocking for G3</b><br /><br />The newest Christmas stocking is almost complete. <a href="https://www.orientaltrading.com/craft-and-hobby-supplies/jewelry-making/beads/christmas-a1-550104+1240-1.fltr" target="_blank">Oriental Trading Company</a> had some darling glass beads screaming my name. My idea is to add the same one to each "family group." {DH, my offspring and I will get the Owls. Dibs.} BTW, the grandchildren are numbered here so G3 is my third.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yv8mw18TlS4/XAmcoKPlpfI/AAAAAAAAxG0/oWv_sDRHbSA6Cnk9FdaXdzujUcA_kNoEgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181206_135143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1441" data-original-width="1600" height="576" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yv8mw18TlS4/XAmcoKPlpfI/AAAAAAAAxG0/oWv_sDRHbSA6Cnk9FdaXdzujUcA_kNoEgCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20181206_135143.jpg" title="Glass beads from Oriental Trading Company" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glass beads from Oriental Trading Company</td></tr></tbody></table><br />My goodness! I wish my kids' stockings were as adorable as the ones my grandchildren are receiving. {Although they looked like the "bees' knees" when I made them. It just shows my beading and bling-ing skills improved over the years.}<br /><br />Special items like these are only readily available with the advent of the internet. I've no idea what local shops might carry them now or who did in the past. Finding something seemed very random; you had to be walking by a store and it caught&nbsp; your eye. Once you became proficient in the craft or recipe or whatever, you knew where to get the supplies but it seemed harder for novices to even realize they needed better supplies.<br /><br />Isn't that what happens with any new endeavor? When we first try knitting or quilting or any other craft, the toughest part is finding good quality materials. Or even finding the materials at all. The internet has made it much easier to source them. Now we can search by photos, too. What a wonderful world and an exciting time to be alive.<br /><br /></div>With peace and goodwill to all.<br /><br />Enjoy the day, AnnAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12922656955543465650noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-231509571353812426.post-50653320471730564382018-12-11T03:00:00.000-08:002018-12-11T07:48:15.231-08:00Chinese Coins X Completes a Pair for TwinsThis quilt is very similar to the previous one. I planned to gift it to siblings but friends expect twins soon. Perfect timing.<br /><br />The quilts include many of the same fabrics but previous one has yellows on the outside while this one has blues. Also, I was running out of Coins {Is that even possible for me??} so I used the very last of the green leaves to extend shorter Coins to finish columns.<br /><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O0KkaemizSw/W_CWTWw26UI/AAAAAAAAwPQ/br1IBM12q3MRccfNHiQqCv1eflJVwxeEACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181117_141746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1520" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O0KkaemizSw/W_CWTWw26UI/AAAAAAAAwPQ/br1IBM12q3MRccfNHiQqCv1eflJVwxeEACKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20181117_141746.jpg" title="Chinese Coins X quilt" width="608" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chinese Coins X quilt</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Again it's quilted using yellow and blue threads with the walking foot perpendicular to the Coins. Simple but effective.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v46mEJwBhU4/W_CWaQEd5zI/AAAAAAAAwPU/3HyWznH5OkU0vui892IL8-ssZyqMJhRwACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181117_141751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v46mEJwBhU4/W_CWaQEd5zI/AAAAAAAAwPU/3HyWznH5OkU0vui892IL8-ssZyqMJhRwACKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20181117_141751.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chinese Coins X quilting detail</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The photo below contains glimpses of the backs and bindings of both quilts. All are from my stash and binding leftover box. I love the blue pebbles; there was enough for one entire back. The other has an old Kaffe with a sliver of those pebbles to make it wide enough. Another connection between this pair.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zt5MKi3SrYI/W_CWgMS-XBI/AAAAAAAAwPY/fB63p9OqY3Up06HCRLwzBAukgziFx2ApgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181117_141832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1488" data-original-width="1600" height="594" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zt5MKi3SrYI/W_CWgMS-XBI/AAAAAAAAwPY/fB63p9OqY3Up06HCRLwzBAukgziFx2ApgCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20181117_141832.jpg" title="Backing and binding details for Chinese Coins quilts IX and X" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Backing and binding details for Chinese Coins quilts IX and X</td></tr></tbody></table><br />All this dark binding was already seamed and they make a lovely sharp edge.<br /><br />Here they are after washing. As always, I like the way quilt crinkles when the batt shrinks in the {tepid water, gentle cycle} wash.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZoK89AqkJT8/XArK1egxgXI/AAAAAAAAxQ8/xvThBfBJFAk9wf85RBtCX5jTLAY1yQrHwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181207_105318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1249" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZoK89AqkJT8/XArK1egxgXI/AAAAAAAAxQ8/xvThBfBJFAk9wf85RBtCX5jTLAY1yQrHwCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20181207_105318.jpg" width="498" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chinese Coins quilts IX and X after washing and drying</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Fair warning, the quilts shrunk about 3-4 inches.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eU1CDdF2QfQ/XArLCaBd_2I/AAAAAAAAxRA/wG6RaRJbZhsYl1kQyN34W3gjc3xbE4K9QCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181207_105518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1049" data-original-width="1600" height="418" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eU1CDdF2QfQ/XArLCaBd_2I/AAAAAAAAxRA/wG6RaRJbZhsYl1kQyN34W3gjc3xbE4K9QCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20181207_105518.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chinese Coins IX and X quilts folded and ready to gift</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Previous posts:<br /><ol><li><a href="https://fretnotyourself.blogspot.com/2018/08/spending-coins-and-question.html" target="_blank">Creating IX and X from leftover Coins</a></li><li><a href="https://fretnotyourself.blogspot.com/2018/08/spending-coins-and-question.html" target="_blank">Tops sewn</a></li><li><a href="https://fretnotyourself.blogspot.com/2018/12/chinese-coins-ix-quilted.html" target="_blank">Chinese Coins IX quilt finished</a></li></ol><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><div style="font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">Quilt Details</span></div><div style="font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">Size: 38" x 40"</span></div><div style="font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">Design: Chinese Coins</span></div><div style="font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">Batting: Mountain Mist Blue Ribbon100% cotton</span></div><div style="font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">Thread: yellow and blue 50/2 Aurifil cotton</span></div><div style="font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">Quilting: walking foot SID and parallel lines</span></span></div></div><div><br />Quilted, bound, signed, washed, and blocked. In the mail tomorrow.<br /><br /></div>Enjoy the day, AnnAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12922656955543465650noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-231509571353812426.post-61720980010295172132018-12-04T03:00:00.001-08:002018-12-06T14:58:08.572-08:00Chinese Coins IX QuiltedThis is one of two similar quilts that were part of my Chinese Coin demonstration. Although they incorporate basically the same fabrics, they look {slightly} different. That makes them perfect for twins and I happen to know a family expecting some. It's time to finish these and gift them.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m_DzAUTSn7Q/W_CVqVhEa2I/AAAAAAAAwPA/7iaZ0imlkO0sR2u-al02ywbT5XAPpQWnACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181117_141653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1535" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m_DzAUTSn7Q/W_CVqVhEa2I/AAAAAAAAwPA/7iaZ0imlkO0sR2u-al02ywbT5XAPpQWnACKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20181117_141653.jpg" title="Chinese Coins IX quilt alternates yellow and blue/green columns with two pea pod sashing strips" width="612" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chinese Coins IX quilt</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Very simple walking foot quilting; parallel lines crossing the coins. I did SID between the columns and switched from yellow to blue thread to match the columns.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dbpkwdoj7CM/W_CWB3p8lFI/AAAAAAAAwPI/0YnySHOuJfMuWRroDYOv_ZOOEXq90DiPACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181117_141701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dbpkwdoj7CM/W_CWB3p8lFI/AAAAAAAAwPI/0YnySHOuJfMuWRroDYOv_ZOOEXq90DiPACKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20181117_141701.jpg" title="Chinese Coins IX quilting detail" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chinese Coins IX quilting detail</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Previous post:<br /><ol><li><a href="https://fretnotyourself.blogspot.com/2018/08/spending-coins-and-question.html" target="_blank">Using leftover Coins</a>.</li><li><a href="https://fretnotyourself.blogspot.com/2018/08/spending-coins-and-question.html" target="_blank">Top sewn.&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="https://fretnotyourself.blogspot.com/2018/11/french-clothing-at-getty-center.html" target="_blank">Starting the quilting</a>.</li></ol><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><div style="font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">Quilt Details</span></div><div style="font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">Size: 42" x 41"</span></div><div style="font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">Design: Chinese Coins</span></div><div style="font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">Batting: Mountain Mist Blue Ribbon100% cotton</span></div><div style="font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">Thread: blue and yellow Aurifil 50/2 cotton</span></div><div style="font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">Quilting: walking foot SID and parallel lines</span></span></div></div><div><span style="font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>Last week I attended <a href="http://www.fernroycequilting.com/" target="_blank">Fern Royce's Working Small class at our guild</a>. What a delightful day working on five techniques with an organized, friendly, and relaxed teacher. Fern sews improvisationally in different ways than I so it was a treat to learn new constructions techniques.<br /><br />First we inserted a simple skinny curved strip {the middle sample.} Then we played with multiple skinny strips {on the left} and dancing squares {on the right.} All of these are small, no more than six inches wide.&nbsp; One thing I learned was how much more carefully fabrics must be chosen when working so small.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_n7S2tm5omY/XAS1PfbmtMI/AAAAAAAAxBs/9VfDHKqGNTQ-Ueml_zKq3sIB8vLedsi2wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181202_194001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1303" data-original-width="1600" height="520" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_n7S2tm5omY/XAS1PfbmtMI/AAAAAAAAxBs/9VfDHKqGNTQ-Ueml_zKq3sIB8vLedsi2wCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20181202_194001.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three samples from Working Small with Fern Royce</td></tr></tbody></table>Additionally, I worked with these soft tans, something I haven't used in a while.<br /><br />Fern teaches monthly at <a href="http://bay-quilts.shoplightspeed.com/" target="_blank">Bay Quilts</a> where the work of her students is being featured this month.<br />Enjoy the day, AnnAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12922656955543465650noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-231509571353812426.post-25902464870649294752018-11-27T03:00:00.000-08:002018-11-28T02:31:13.710-08:00French Clothing at the Getty CenterHow do the holidays sneak up on me? I vaguely recall the years everything was finished during the summer which made Christmas a delight of visits, services, friends. Those days are gone. Now I am surprised when Halloween says, "Boo!" Then it's just a skip and a hop to Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's.<br /><br />With supreme smugness, I sewed several small tops this summer planning to create a stack of baby quilts. Well, I didn't quilt them and now... I need five. Fortunately they are small and should finish quickly.<br /><br />Here's the first one under the needle.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bDWOeKPan9s/W_A44-9aE0I/AAAAAAAAwM4/u6D1xxxYrDkdYG4tSw3D7KAGZ0_ugaKUQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181116_103025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bDWOeKPan9s/W_A44-9aE0I/AAAAAAAAwM4/u6D1xxxYrDkdYG4tSw3D7KAGZ0_ugaKUQCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20181116_103025.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Quilting Chinese Coins IX baby quilt<br /><div><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table><b><u>The Getty Center</u></b><br /><br />Another post of the previous perfection before the fires. I'm using it as a respite from assembling kits to help survivors. Terrible as they are, there are other disasters worldwide. Let's all help our neighbors - those in our hometowns, across our countries, and around the world. Money is the best donation although we need to make sure it's going to reputable charities.<br /><br />Anyway, back to LaLa Land.<br /><br />Darling DH insisted we visit the Getty Center Saturday since he knows how much I enjoy this museum. It's on a hillside with great views of both LA downtown and the ocean... at a distance.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ItrYfy2XYRY/W-cubXYAENI/AAAAAAAAwDw/YBXGTwVKLKAUXTcqQwI7rlPMRqznz81agCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_3689-COLLAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ItrYfy2XYRY/W-cubXYAENI/AAAAAAAAwDw/YBXGTwVKLKAUXTcqQwI7rlPMRqznz81agCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_3689-COLLAGE.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of LA and the Pacific Ocean from the Getty Center</td></tr></tbody></table><br />We rode the bus to the base then took the free tram up to the museum.&nbsp; {There's also paid parking but you still take the tram.}<br /><br />It's very modern and open - white travertine and glass. We need sunglasses outside but the weather was lovely. Once you pass the entrance there are a collection of buildings with many terraces on multiple levels. Also gardens, outdoor cafe, indoor restaurant, fountains, statuary.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SX95L9zxQiM/W-cs5WUXJoI/AAAAAAAAwDI/qUcLs6IZnR4_duUJ7Xx5ePFtYTDHD1GnACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181103_111502-COLLAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SX95L9zxQiM/W-cs5WUXJoI/AAAAAAAAwDI/qUcLs6IZnR4_duUJ7Xx5ePFtYTDHD1GnACKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20181103_111502-COLLAGE.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the Getty Center inside</td></tr></tbody></table><br />J. Paul particularly collected furniture and decorative items. Not to imply there aren't loads of paintings but many of those have been added since his death. So after a leisurely survey of one exhibit, we went to lunch and then split up. DH chose to view Art of Three Faiths: a Torah, a Bible and a Qur'an displaying illuminated manuscripts while I attended a lecture on French fashion... for two hours. Fabulous!<br /><br /><a href="http://magazine.ucla.edu/depts/quicktakes/costume-king/" target="_blank">Maxwell Barr</a>&nbsp;brought a live model to demonstrate the craftsmanship involved in the daily wardrobe of 18th century French nobility. Starting as she arose in the morning, he worked through six changes of clothing. Along the way he discussed makeup - purchased at paint stores and applied with silver knives exactly like painting a canvas. Queen Marie Antoinette had the reddest cheeks; princesses next reddest, etc. Woe betide she whose cheeks were redder than her rank allowed!<br /><br />The model dressed to receive company in her boudoir. Notice she wore a hat indoors.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9nUIxNHhGY4/W-cum85FrVI/AAAAAAAAwD8/w2V8xrhkeVA6WUWTtxtOK-57khCJ2PW7ACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181103_134823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1034" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9nUIxNHhGY4/W-cum85FrVI/AAAAAAAAwD8/w2V8xrhkeVA6WUWTtxtOK-57khCJ2PW7ACKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20181103_134823.jpg" width="412" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morning deshabille in 18th century France</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Mr. Barr copied this luncheon ensemble from a painting which he showed on the screen behind the model. The fichu is only from the 19th century since they rarely last long. Her gown was definitely this short; they became longer as the day wore on.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gcDvJxinJpo/W-cuq1p60-I/AAAAAAAAwEA/Wty--zqdcLoz3YJgA54OAidSqK-SpPHWwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181103_140052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1097" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gcDvJxinJpo/W-cuq1p60-I/AAAAAAAAwEA/Wty--zqdcLoz3YJgA54OAidSqK-SpPHWwCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20181103_140052.jpg" width="438" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maxwell Barr explains details of dressing for luncheon in 18th century France</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Evening gowns were one basic style: a skirt short enough to display her shoes {because they had diamonds} then an over-robe that fastened in the front but also laced in back. The pleats in back are French style. English style was fitted in back.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TmDeWWu--I8/W-cutyAI3oI/AAAAAAAAwEE/2LolPrdQrn0Klz5DLdq6-a5EDu1ive6hwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181103_143843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1099" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TmDeWWu--I8/W-cutyAI3oI/AAAAAAAAwEE/2LolPrdQrn0Klz5DLdq6-a5EDu1ive6hwCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20181103_143843.jpg" width="438" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Robe francais</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Women's sleeves were constructed to keep their arms slightly bent. In fact, the seams would rip if straightened so servants {or an attentive gentleman} were required to pick up anything a lady dropped.<br /><br />The live display was matched with slides as he pointed out the details of clothing and fashion. Details matched: prints, ruffles, length, etc. although the diamond buckles were now only paste.<br /><br />Mr. Barr noted how the clothing blended or fit with household furnishings by showing photos of past exhibits that displayed mannequins in furnished period rooms. One of those was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/listings/2004/dangerous-liaisons" target="_blank">Dangerous Liaisons, a 2005 exhibit at The Met</a>.<br /><br />He emphasized this point with a photo of these mannequins in a modern living room. Very silly. I'd never considered how our furnishings match our clothing. While our chairs encourage slouching and curling up with feet on the furniture, theirs allowed women to sit while wearing panniers - wide seats and short arms. You know the style.<br /><br />I hope you have an opportunity to hear him or another costume historian some time.<br /><br />Enjoy the day, AnnAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12922656955543465650noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-231509571353812426.post-48407651181969327972018-11-20T03:00:00.001-08:002019-01-06T06:03:21.332-08:00The Square Deal and the Venice CanalsWhile the outer border is not as blue as I want, it seems to be done. There are enough extra blocks to make one or two toddler quilts. It seems silly to continue making "slightly better" blocks and I'm out of that light blue that looks so good to me. Time to sew it up.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0dX5k-2nJgY/W-MzGGLvuOI/AAAAAAAAv88/XK3dbQuCtTQmqs9JkzosVyUm-rsvncCgwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180925_082514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1560" data-original-width="1600" height="624" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0dX5k-2nJgY/W-MzGGLvuOI/AAAAAAAAv88/XK3dbQuCtTQmqs9JkzosVyUm-rsvncCgwCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20180925_082514.jpg" title="The Square Deal quilt in progress" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Square Deal quilt in progress: working on the outer border</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Before the wildfires, business took DH to LA and I tagged along for fun. The first day was spent wandering through the Venice Canal neighborhood. Built in 1905 to mimic the waterways of its European namesake, it originally included gondoliers singing in Italian for the tourists. However, most of the canals were filled in by the 1920s (voted by the city but costs paid by the neighboring homeowners) to allow cars. The few remaining blocks were saved because there weren't enough houses to cover the costs of infilling.<br /><br />No gondolas now. It's all privately owned with one narrow street paralleling the beach that allows autos. Only a block from the beach and so, so quiet.<br /><br />Here are views of the canals and their bridges. I especially enjoy the variety of homes spanning the past hundred years.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5MfkRlrMGq4/W-OCmwoLcwI/AAAAAAAAv-U/9XOz08PNdogSShT7sxksxKsRrxPsTyixQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181101_100029-COLLAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5MfkRlrMGq4/W-OCmwoLcwI/AAAAAAAAv-U/9XOz08PNdogSShT7sxksxKsRrxPsTyixQCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20181101_100029-COLLAGE.jpg" title="Venice Canals, Venice Beach CA" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Venice Canals, Venice Beach CA</td></tr></tbody></table><br />A few detail shots. Look at the wavy panes in the windows. And the balcony railing would be a good quilt border. Most of the homes had a small yard in front that included a dining room. How lovely to eat al fresco daily. There must not be many mosquitos; no screens.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LZgPFTRckpc/W-OCpWVXM0I/AAAAAAAAv-Y/MQoVjqDSNecZSU3ZIOnu5zCBnHB8Qo2OwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181101_102513-COLLAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LZgPFTRckpc/W-OCpWVXM0I/AAAAAAAAv-Y/MQoVjqDSNecZSU3ZIOnu5zCBnHB8Qo2OwCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20181101_102513-COLLAGE.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Details of the Venice Canals</td></tr></tbody></table>There's a charming fountain in the lower right photo. Loved the casual design with upside down flower pot base and copper spigot mouth. It made such a relaxing sound, too.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.kcet.org/shows/lost-la/the-lost-canals-of-venice-of-america" target="_blank">History of the Venice Canals</a> can be found on this website.<br /><br />Sorry this post makes the area appear pristine and perfect. Venice is about 20 miles from Malibu where lives and property have been lost in the <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/live-news/fires-in-california-camp-woolsey-paradise-wildfire-evacuations-death-toll-map-2018-11-16-latest/" target="_blank">Woolsey Fire. The worst fire in California is the Camp fire near Paradise</a>. So many people have lost everything. Photos of the devastation frighten me more than hurricanes. Absolutely nothing left.<br /><br />Enjoy the day, AnnAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12922656955543465650noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-231509571353812426.post-81863852321961926412018-11-13T03:00:00.001-08:002018-11-14T17:40:43.129-08:00Bordering the Square Deal and the Grand CanyonLiking the microdot inner sashing, I was ready to sew the center together but decided to make a Churn Dash of the innermost triangles. The first attempt included very narrow pink rectangles {no photo} but quickly grew to squares for more presence. The extra pink balances the weight of the Square Deal.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LjBonu4-obo/W8Ocd_mC--I/AAAAAAAAupg/2-3s5k-A7I8oSsn8h9S_0Fwt3raJAZdPQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180910_115339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1593" data-original-width="1600" height="636" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LjBonu4-obo/W8Ocd_mC--I/AAAAAAAAupg/2-3s5k-A7I8oSsn8h9S_0Fwt3raJAZdPQCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20180910_115339.jpg" title="The Square Deal quilt in progress: working on the borders" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Square Deal quilt in progress: working on the borders</td></tr></tbody></table><span id="goog_2455924"></span><span id="goog_2455925"></span><br />With that part looking good I sewed on the mermaid inner border before going to bed.<br /><br />In the morning the quilt appears too dark and/or heavy with four black crossroad blocks in each corner. Reducing that to two made it much better but there's another, larger problem.<br /><br />Where did the blue blocks go? The yellow, green and pink blocks in the outer border make a decent contrast with the red ones but have little relationship with the center strips and HSTs. <a href="https://fretnotyourself.blogspot.com/2018/10/a-border-ready-and-waiting.html" target="_blank">Looking back at my original layouts</a>, the darker border adds needed presence while the light blues make the center sing.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lTvqr2RKu7U/W8OcjboGvdI/AAAAAAAAupo/o0lCX1_aKAEJdd_WDDO-VWA--mqXoQGjwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180914_105416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1595" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lTvqr2RKu7U/W8OcjboGvdI/AAAAAAAAupo/o0lCX1_aKAEJdd_WDDO-VWA--mqXoQGjwCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20180914_105416.jpg" title="The Square Deal quilt in progress: working on the outer border" width="638" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Square Deal quilt in progress: working on the outer border</td></tr></tbody></table><br />So now I'm reworking the outer border.&nbsp; I'm not done but it looks better.<br /><br /><b><u>On to the Grand Canyon</u></b><br /><b><u><br /></u></b>Despite a lifetime in geology, I'd never been to the Grand Canyon. So glad I made it last week, especially because it was off season {meaning the North Rim was closed.}<br /><br />My visit started at the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/photosmultimedia/mary-colter---indian-watchtower.htm" target="_blank">Desert View Watchtower</a>. It&nbsp;highlights the Painted Desert&nbsp; to the east and the beginning of the Canyon. Inspired by native art, the watchtower incorporated Pueblo designs and styles including native artwork on different levels.<br /><br />The further west along the South Rim trail, the deeper the canyon and the more complex the carved channels. Eventually that appears to be all one can see. I never knew it was this size: 277 miles long, 1 mile deep, 3 miles wide.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0xXiXfejKv8/W9nBuJ1nHwI/AAAAAAAAvRA/G0EY5ynhH4wz9BQ6mJsp2ahZpIOA8_fAACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181028_120350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1199" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0xXiXfejKv8/W9nBuJ1nHwI/AAAAAAAAvRA/G0EY5ynhH4wz9BQ6mJsp2ahZpIOA8_fAACKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20181028_120350.jpg" title="Desert View Watchtower, Grand Canyon National Park" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Desert View Watchtower</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1rLq5z5LsVM/W98pzebBDNI/AAAAAAAAvwA/0gonuyDC-hEDjqnDdwl68s66o8vwIfHZQCKgBGAs/s1600/PANO_20181028_140413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="897" data-original-width="1600" height="358" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1rLq5z5LsVM/W98pzebBDNI/AAAAAAAAvwA/0gonuyDC-hEDjqnDdwl68s66o8vwIfHZQCKgBGAs/s640/PANO_20181028_140413.jpg" title="Grand Canyon from Yavapai Point" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grand Canyon from Yavapai Point</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />Elk posed all over the park. While leaving a calf was casually nursing along the road but I couldn't get a photo. (S)he was so tall I doubt mom will allow that much longer. Two more cow elk from a harem of five grazed near the parking lot. The bull elk rested in the trees nearby.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bPSQ0HdKgjs/W9nB4U5f6KI/AAAAAAAAvRI/KkiL_wd8oc0iVS_LUvYD2CRUM4bnHI5iwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181028_134922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bPSQ0HdKgjs/W9nB4U5f6KI/AAAAAAAAvRI/KkiL_wd8oc0iVS_LUvYD2CRUM4bnHI5iwCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20181028_134922.jpg" title="Cow elk grazing near the Grand Canyon Visitor Center parking lot" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cow elk grazing near the Grand Canyon Visitor Center parking lot</td></tr></tbody></table>We're already planning our next trip. So much more to see.<br /><br />Enjoy the day, AnnAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12922656955543465650noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-231509571353812426.post-86144497774076344632018-11-06T03:00:00.001-08:002018-11-06T08:41:54.652-08:00Sashing the Square DealOnce the center {minus one block that kept falling down} was arranged, I started laying out a border. The darker border seemed to make more contrast but a single round lacks weight. A second round on the right creates better proportions.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qmP5_prwZv8/W6kI3MIlYpI/AAAAAAAAt_0/umFy0w4ZEmg6Yuw8IibWfmwOve8MRqUJACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180906_104355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1513" data-original-width="1600" height="604" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qmP5_prwZv8/W6kI3MIlYpI/AAAAAAAAt_0/umFy0w4ZEmg6Yuw8IibWfmwOve8MRqUJACKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20180906_104355.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting a border around the Square Deal block</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />With that start in hand, it was time to think about the sashing and inner border. The inner and outer blocks are different sizes. About six inches is required to get them to fit together. Black was too dark {forgot to photograph}. I next tried some narrow strips of Chinese Coins. {Surely you didn't think the last baby quilt used up all those skinnies.} Now there's no contrast; this is not the solution. Finally I realized the white design wall was trying to tell me something. I cut some mermaids printed on white. All the strips are the same width {and a bit larger than necessary} while I consider whether they should be the same or different widths.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-coie5HE2BgY/W6kJOtVK8mI/AAAAAAAAuAQ/gHJkwKwWPI8J50sto9rAN4shKuD4VJ1pgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180906_165044-COLLAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-coie5HE2BgY/W6kJOtVK8mI/AAAAAAAAuAQ/gHJkwKwWPI8J50sto9rAN4shKuD4VJ1pgCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20180906_165044-COLLAGE.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Testing sashing and border fabrics</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />Making borders and sashing of the same fabric doesn't thrill me either so a different white print was cut. It has blue microdots although it reads white here. After trying it as a border, I decided it looks better as the sashing between the four quarters of this block.<br /><br />Then I added Crossroads blocks on three sides.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xwcTormqWZU/W6kJB-GcovI/AAAAAAAAt_8/mWRIylIldmUpcO62hyRETPHNgVyxu788gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180908_110026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1481" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xwcTormqWZU/W6kJB-GcovI/AAAAAAAAt_8/mWRIylIldmUpcO62hyRETPHNgVyxu788gCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20180908_110026.jpg" width="592" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laying out sashing and borders on the Square Deal</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The quilt must be repositioned on the design wall to finish the fourth side.<br /><br />In the meanwhile, my family and I attended the State Fair of Texas. We went every year while my children were growing so it was fun to introduce a new generation to the Fair. Events have changed. We still enjoy the trained animals, the milking contests, and the beautiful jewel-like jelly competition. We watched pig races and performing rescue animals.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-77JQWt-2uy0/W9jYrg8-sSI/AAAAAAAAvQA/DnxvpVCfj0ke-ojbUI7sNMmxLNzXAQ0OwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181020_124710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1164" data-original-width="1600" height="464" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-77JQWt-2uy0/W9jYrg8-sSI/AAAAAAAAvQA/DnxvpVCfj0ke-ojbUI7sNMmxLNzXAQ0OwCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20181020_124710.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pig races at the State Fair of Texas</td></tr></tbody></table>&nbsp;The murals dating from the Great Depression were restored a few years ago - ready for a new generation to enjoy.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LdbpWbJzikM/W9ja8rLhv2I/AAAAAAAAvQU/uNbSPQETI-QLmV6ozBWLO9IcAR-YhLm2gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181020_120239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LdbpWbJzikM/W9ja8rLhv2I/AAAAAAAAvQU/uNbSPQETI-QLmV6ozBWLO9IcAR-YhLm2gCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20181020_120239.jpg" title="Mural from the Hall of Varied Industries, State Fair of Texas" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mural from the Hall of Varied Industries, State Fair of Texas</td></tr></tbody></table><br />These umbrellas shading a lunch site are new. Colorful day and night!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1F7iyR3sX60/W9jbPJKbUiI/AAAAAAAAvQc/JVlfSZif_fsYsg6QwVw_jznY5HevBjxTwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181020_123245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1047" data-original-width="1600" height="418" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1F7iyR3sX60/W9jbPJKbUiI/AAAAAAAAvQc/JVlfSZif_fsYsg6QwVw_jznY5HevBjxTwCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20181020_123245.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Umbrellas shade a lunch area at the State Fair of Texas</td></tr></tbody></table><br />VOTE! It's election day in the US. I wonder how different our lives would be if everyone was required to vote like Australians. Much more emphasis on the center; much less from the fringes. It sounds good to me.<br /><br />Enjoy the day, AnnAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12922656955543465650noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-231509571353812426.post-51506043932314283032018-10-30T03:00:00.000-07:002018-10-30T03:00:04.491-07:00A Square DealRight before sewing things together, I found a huge flaw in my design: it would be just under fifty inches. Too large for a baby quilt and too small for a throw. This one feels like a keeper so it needs to be larger.<br /><br />A double border overwhelms the small center {no photo} but increasing the block to a 16-patch makes it a bit larger without ruining the design. This works well for me. The layout works, the right scale looks good, and it adds eleven inches to the length. Two weeks later and I'm almost back to square one. Haha.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1bBxGsk5B9M/W6Vu5d8JW5I/AAAAAAAAt5Q/ALFj31HrNRUaiDtyUEI2vFPdO-B7lnrAQCKgBGAs/s1600/TheSquareDeal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1577" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1bBxGsk5B9M/W6Vu5d8JW5I/AAAAAAAAt5Q/ALFj31HrNRUaiDtyUEI2vFPdO-B7lnrAQCKgBGAs/s640/TheSquareDeal.jpg" width="630" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The Square Deal quilt block</td></tr></tbody></table>In Jinny Beyer's <u>Quilters Album of Patchwork Patterns</u>, this block {without the strings} is called The Square Deal. It first appeared in the 1932 Kansas City Star. Was it named for Teddy Roosevelt's domestic program whose basic goals included conservation of natural resources, control of corporations and consumer protection? I'm not sure; however, anything that strengthens the middle class, reins in oligarchs, and protects our environment would be welcome to this day.<br /><br />Work slowly continues on the sawtooth sashing for the New York Beauty/Rocky Mountain Road. Each uses twenty-one triangles. Currently I'm working on a few sets at a time so something is always "almost done." It's so depressing to work for a couple of hours and only see one triangle added to the overall lengths. Just a way to fake myself out.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z2hWUts2n4E/W6pCvAUlUnI/AAAAAAAAuC0/wKNokoKpIrE_XjVZgYEc9tqcZy3ZHYHFQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180923_083527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z2hWUts2n4E/W6pCvAUlUnI/AAAAAAAAuC0/wKNokoKpIrE_XjVZgYEc9tqcZy3ZHYHFQCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20180923_083527.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sawtooth sashing for New York Beauty/Rocky Mountain Road</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Enjoy the day, AnnAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12922656955543465650noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-231509571353812426.post-38430684605229074542018-10-23T03:00:00.001-07:002018-10-23T03:00:00.845-07:00Maps, Sashing, and Humboldt CountyWhen I'm uncertain how to proceed with an idea I just ignore the situation and work on something else that "needs to be done" so I feel like I'm actually progressing... but I'm not. My friend, Mel, laughingly calls it Productive Procrastination.<br /><br />Somewhere <a href="https://fretnotyourself.blogspot.com/2017/03/empty-spools-at-last.html" target="_blank">the map from Valerie Goodwin's class</a> devolved into ignorance and, despite my interest in map quilts I'm confused how to sew something other than a paper map re-creation, petrified of making a mistake, worried that the resources will dry up or disappear. As if I'd ever run out of fabric in my lifetime.<br /><br />To avoid facing these issues, I've been sewing sawtooth sashing for the Rocky Mountain Trails/New York Beauty quilt. A good thing since they've been in a pile for a couple of years. With 38 complete now, I'm halfway through.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZrPd0fBVP6c/W76V3-st2FI/AAAAAAAAuiM/Ko_4rTwvZeMOIUb0t6Q48DXcqSR1VTeBwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181010_101500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1456" data-original-width="1600" height="582" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZrPd0fBVP6c/W76V3-st2FI/AAAAAAAAuiM/Ko_4rTwvZeMOIUb0t6Q48DXcqSR1VTeBwCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20181010_101500.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sawtooth sashing strips</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I finally forced myself to start cutting and sewing fabric for my first map quilt. Funny thing. As I sewed, the project became easier. Yes, there are <strike>mistakes</strike> places I'm not completely satisfied with my work; however, the top went together much more quickly than expected. And many new ideas are inspiring me to create more map quilts. Details of the map project are on&nbsp;<a href="https://adhocimprovquilts.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">AdHoc Improv Quilts</a>.<br /><div><br />With the map top completed, there was absolutely no quilting this weekend. Instead we visited friends in Humboldt County. First we drove through <a href="https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=22257" target="_blank">coastal redwood forests</a>. Topping out near 400 feet, they are the largest trees on earth, grow in cool regions near the ocean from San Simeon north into Oregon, and collect much of their water from fog.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JR9cKvzQ0Kg/W7zYEHMszaI/AAAAAAAAugQ/XJXPqfGN79wIxPfp1ujP4Zpeg4JVYRTkwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181005_105731-COLLAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JR9cKvzQ0Kg/W7zYEHMszaI/AAAAAAAAugQ/XJXPqfGN79wIxPfp1ujP4Zpeg4JVYRTkwCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20181005_105731-COLLAGE.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Humboldt Redwoods State Park: Founder's Grove</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Taking a break, we walked the Founders' Grove loop at Humboldt Redwoods. It's less than a mile, very flat, and includes some of the largest trees in the park. The opening in this redwood is much taller than me; my outstretched hands couldn't touch the top. Inside the hollow extended two or three stories. How many people have sheltered in this cozy room over millennia? Top right is the root structure of a toppled redwood. Bottom right is the 346-foot Founders Tree. I never could get the entire tree in a photo. That sign is about two-feet high.<br /><br />It was foggy and chilly. Temperatures on the road were mid-60s (17 degrees C) but dropped to the 40s on the trail. Brr.<br /><br />Back in the car and on to Eureka where we toured the <a href="https://dicktaylorchocolate.com/" target="_blank">Dick Taylor Chocolate</a> factory. This "bean to bar" chocolatier started when two carpenters read about chocolates on the way to a wedding. They purchase beans from several places to make single source chocolates. On the table are two cocoa pods with a roaster behind them. Afterwards they let us sample all their varieties. I liked the Belize but the others preferred Madagascar chocolate.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cjGeIHw6GAU/W7zYKuQun1I/AAAAAAAAugU/DtOHQPvDvCAJhK2t7BjdsLAGDs_q-OutQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181005_152342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1220" data-original-width="1600" height="486" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cjGeIHw6GAU/W7zYKuQun1I/AAAAAAAAugU/DtOHQPvDvCAJhK2t7BjdsLAGDs_q-OutQCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20181005_152342.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dick Taylor Chocolate factory tour</td></tr></tbody></table><br />With beautifully clear weather we took an afternoon <a href="https://www.humboldtbaymaritimemuseum.com/" target="_blank">harbor cruise on the Madaket</a>, the oldest boat in continuous service in the US. It also contains the smallest licensed US bar. Don't you love all the qualifiers?&nbsp; We saw several islands with numerous birds and sea lions.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z2b8I4DLHDk/W7zYSDWvSyI/AAAAAAAAugY/Sfm-w566_2YTlwzJmrhhfBseO1uuFl-tACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181006_141356-COLLAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z2b8I4DLHDk/W7zYSDWvSyI/AAAAAAAAugY/Sfm-w566_2YTlwzJmrhhfBseO1uuFl-tACKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20181006_141356-COLLAGE.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Madaket harbor cruise ship</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Sunday morning meant a trip to Los Bagels. On their opening day they had a problem with the bagel maker. Instead of bagel shapes, they got slugs - oval shapes with no hole in the center. They cooked those anyway, topping them with a mix of dried onion, garlic, and seeds which they named Slug Slime. They are a big hit to this day as well as a lesson to us all. Not every mistake is a disaster. Open-minded thinking can help us all reorient our results.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1N0GuqpPNjk/W7zYVBzZQeI/AAAAAAAAugc/9fiIulYupuojpdBURuqrddHj4DgMFS-iwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181007_094723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1N0GuqpPNjk/W7zYVBzZQeI/AAAAAAAAugc/9fiIulYupuojpdBURuqrddHj4DgMFS-iwCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20181007_094723.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Los Bagels, Arcata CA</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Enjoy the day, AnnAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12922656955543465650noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-231509571353812426.post-69770222810620739592018-10-16T03:00:00.001-07:002018-10-17T01:17:34.928-07:00Color Study Chinese Coins FinishedBinding attached, signed, washed and dried. The Color Study quilt is ready to use. It's a lovely size for a throw and a friend of mine might enjoy it.<br><br><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kyQIG7-pidQ/W6rIZfCkJ9I/AAAAAAAAuG4/Efx0t9F57nkrxkVXY-N6qJgVKhGVMlYJQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180923_160650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1434" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kyQIG7-pidQ/W6rIZfCkJ9I/AAAAAAAAuG4/Efx0t9F57nkrxkVXY-N6qJgVKhGVMlYJQCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20180923_160650.jpg" title="Color Study Chinese Coins quilt" width="572"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Color Study Chinese Coins quilt</td></tr></tbody></table><br>Back of the quilt is a collage of corals.<br><br><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WG7S58gxBnM/W6rIg83wv1I/AAAAAAAAuG8/K7y39qc6aKApngOFm_FepBMj1tFNlojEwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180923_160713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1452" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WG7S58gxBnM/W6rIg83wv1I/AAAAAAAAuG8/K7y39qc6aKApngOFm_FepBMj1tFNlojEwCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20180923_160713.jpg" title="Piece back of Color Study Chinese Coins quilt" width="580"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back of Color Study Chinese Coins quilt</td></tr></tbody></table><br>Originally, I wanted to bind the quilt in dark blue but didn't have enough of any. There was some bright orange/coral in the discard pile that worked well.<br><br><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-USx2rK10nrQ/W6rIyOvUoII/AAAAAAAAuHE/X2hwMhCKzpgJILzp7nSlaTrNKNkAK2ZEACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180923_160910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1199" data-original-width="1600" height="476" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-USx2rK10nrQ/W6rIyOvUoII/AAAAAAAAuHE/X2hwMhCKzpgJILzp7nSlaTrNKNkAK2ZEACKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20180923_160910.jpg" title="Quilting and binding detail, Color Study Chinese Coins quilt" width="640"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quilting and binding detail, Color Study Chinese Coins quilt</td></tr></tbody></table><br>I found a Hobbs 100% cotton batt which is another favorite of mine. Plus, it's made in Mexia, Texas located between Dallas and Houston.<br><br><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">Quilt Details</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">Size: 62" x 72"</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">Design: Bars variation of Chinese Coins</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">Batting: Hobbs 100% cotton</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">Thread: peach Gutermann cotton thread and YLI smoke monofilament nylon</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">Quilting: Straight lines with walking foot</span></span></div><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px;">Previous posts:<br><ol><li><a href="https://fretnotyourself.blogspot.com/2018/07/chinese-coin-color-study.html" target="_blank">Sewing the top</a></li><li><a href="https://fretnotyourself.blogspot.com/2018/09/second-month-of-maps.html" target="_blank">Stitch in the ditch quilting</a></li><li><a href="https://fretnotyourself.blogspot.com/2018/10/a-border-ready-and-waiting.html" target="_blank">Walking foot quilting</a></li></ol><a href="https://mysticquilter.blogspot.com/2018/09/latest-addition-to-parts-box.html" target="_blank">Maureen at MysticQuilter is working on these same blocks in batiks</a>. We both enjoy mixing the many fabrics in within the constraints of a block. Each has its own individual style.<br><br>Enjoy the day, AnnAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12922656955543465650noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-231509571353812426.post-75354917741911532412018-10-09T03:00:00.001-07:002018-10-09T12:20:22.545-07:00A Border Ready and WaitingI'm still working on the HSTs and came up with a great plan while putting the extra HSTs away. In the box were the&nbsp;<a href="https://fretnotyourself.blogspot.com/2017/05/spring-cleaning.html" target="_blank">Cultural Fusion Crossroads blocks that have been waiting over a year</a>.<br /><br />A dark block anchors each corner while the remaining Crossroads blocks were added in two possible values. They both look good to me. The one on the right needs a very strong border while the one on the left needs something else. The blocks won't fit together without some type of border or adjustment.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2KRAMeGs1hk/W6U9TiN7o7I/AAAAAAAAt4U/6dyWYGaooXsEDS6JtMlCKmqEf7D_1S1AgCKgBGAs/s1600/20180904_123338-COLLAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="508" data-original-width="1024" height="316" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2KRAMeGs1hk/W6U9TiN7o7I/AAAAAAAAt4U/6dyWYGaooXsEDS6JtMlCKmqEf7D_1S1AgCKgBGAs/s640/20180904_123338-COLLAGE.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Dark and light borders around HST center<br /><div><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table>Compare the photos above with the one below which was an early version of&nbsp;<a href="https://fretnotyourself.blogspot.com/2018/01/chinese-coins-ii-quilted.html" target="_blank">Chinese Coins II</a>. Even though the stars are about the same size as the triangles and the coins in CCII are narrower than those in HST, my Crossroads blocks changed appearance like a chameleon. They are spindly and fragile below but perfect with the HSTs. Like they were planned for this design. Why this works is something I need to study more.<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FWT1rvEAXoM/W6fviz1vWTI/AAAAAAAAt88/KKDCrwD7ZZoRwPY8dyaSESqJdgQozMiyQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170509_205856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="1600" height="558" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FWT1rvEAXoM/W6fviz1vWTI/AAAAAAAAt88/KKDCrwD7ZZoRwPY8dyaSESqJdgQozMiyQCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20170509_205856.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chinese Coins II quilt with possible Crossroads block border</td></tr></tbody></table><br />In other news, Color Study's binding is on. It should be a finish soon.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tfqc_a6N-B0/W6rFhADg0XI/AAAAAAAAuEs/Ez4qS3-q6UYHxPgGxOQigwClVUdAl2HDQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180923_083619-COLLAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tfqc_a6N-B0/W6rFhADg0XI/AAAAAAAAuEs/Ez4qS3-q6UYHxPgGxOQigwClVUdAl2HDQCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20180923_083619-COLLAGE.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Binding strips cut, then sewing to back first</td></tr></tbody></table>A group of us visited the San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles recently. Their exhibits included fifteen or more swing coats by Patricia Montgomery celebrating important women of the Civil Rights Movement.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HkXwA6xbxf0/W7upMAYsaXI/AAAAAAAAud0/JZdquadFdZ0INeDqE1PQeHgX0uwEVRcVQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180924_142017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1300" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HkXwA6xbxf0/W7upMAYsaXI/AAAAAAAAud0/JZdquadFdZ0INeDqE1PQeHgX0uwEVRcVQCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20180924_142017.jpg" title="Swing coats from exhibit Honoring the Heroines of the Civil Rights Movement: Patricia A Montgomery exhibit at The San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles: Honoring the Heroines of the Civil Rights Movement by Patricia A Montgomery" width="518" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Honoring the Heroines of the Civil Rights Movement: Patricia A Montgomery<br />exhibit at The San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Construction is highlighted by the unfinished coat on the wall. The textiles and colors of each coat vary. They are embellished with quotes and photos celebrating each heroines importance. In a time when Helen Keller has been removed from Texas social studies textbooks, it's even more important to remember that women can effect change as much as men.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-99uQbOGa_c4/W7uqtanHOvI/AAAAAAAAueQ/2Syz2w1sVDsSrRC6Glpdq0l8yRjRhRLNQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180924_142759-COLLAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-99uQbOGa_c4/W7uqtanHOvI/AAAAAAAAueQ/2Syz2w1sVDsSrRC6Glpdq0l8yRjRhRLNQCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20180924_142759-COLLAGE.jpg" title="Strong People Don't Need Strong Leaders - Ella Josephine Baker. Honoring the Heroines of the Civil Rights Movement: Patricia A Montgomery exhibit at The San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strong People Don't Need Strong Leaders - Ella Josephine Baker</td></tr></tbody></table><br />This yellow coat highlights <a href="https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/encyclopedia/baker-ella-josephine" target="_blank">Ella Baker</a> who advanced group-centered (grass-roots) leadership where people "directly directly participate in the decisions that effect their lives." One advantage is that the movement becomes important rather than a single charismatic leader. This idea led to longer-lived, independent organizations such as the <a href="https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/encyclopedia/student-nonviolent-coordinating-committee-sncc" target="_blank">Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC)</a>.<br /><br />Enjoy the day, AnnAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12922656955543465650noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-231509571353812426.post-48209816456744605322018-10-02T03:00:00.002-07:002018-10-08T10:47:40.722-07:00Tea and Ephemera with Judy Coates-PerezJudy Coates-Perez spoke at our guild recently and I was fortunate enough to take her class. A graphic artist, she's taught for decades and has very professional, open-ended classes. Her topics are well-organized; she doesn't try to teach everything in one day.<br /><br />And the wealth of knowledge she shares! Because she's worked in mixed media so long, Judy knows how almost every paint and dye react, different tools and products that have come on (and gone from) the market, as well as the best uses for everything.<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wPXUnJeRcQg/W6z14e2q4fI/AAAAAAAAuLk/COS3r3lQWgsOaQR7BVsulsMTudDw5XHjwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180925_174912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1569" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wPXUnJeRcQg/W6z14e2q4fI/AAAAAAAAuLk/COS3r3lQWgsOaQR7BVsulsMTudDw5XHjwCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20180925_174912.jpg" title="Collage from Tea and Ephemera class with Judy Coates-Perez" width="626" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collage from Tea and Ephemera class with Judy Coates-Perez</td></tr></tbody></table><br />We each started class with a piece of fabric Judy had already treated with ink. It looks like old parchment but those dark spots are from ink rather than dye. Then we worked through screen printing, inking and printing on tea bags, collaging papers, stamping, stenciling, painting and using color pencils.<br /><br />Each of these could have been an entire day but Judy gave us concise instructions and turned us loose to practice them for a while. She encouraged us to view this class as extended practice sessions rather than worry about creating a single finished work. She uses her class examples in an interesting way - cutting them up before resewing as a background for further painting.<br /><br />She's a very generous teacher, sharing all her knowledge openly. Occasionally teachers want to hold certain information back but Judy shared everything this class encompassed. Our class fee included a CD with all the handouts for this class. Such a clever idea that saved our hands from cramping while we took notes.<br /><br />Judy recently taught in Karlsruhe, Germany so Europeans might have an opportunity to take a class with her. If you get the chance, take it!<br /><br />Photos of her work and information about her workshops, books, and supplies are on <a href="https://www.judycoatesperez.com/tea-and-ephemera-in-santa-clara/" target="_blank">her website</a>. She brought Primordial Sea and Moon Garden to our meeting. What a treat to view her art so closely.<br /><br />Enjoy the day, AnnAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12922656955543465650noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-231509571353812426.post-23308784825673908882018-09-29T03:00:00.001-07:002018-09-29T03:00:00.778-07:00Designing with Half Square TrianglesThe blocks on the design wall make me happy. I had no idea they would look this good. The mix of warm solids float on blue and green strips. My last red quilt was <a href="https://fretnotyourself.blogspot.com/2013/05/watermelon-string.html" target="_blank">the watermelon quilt</a> and that was years ago.<br /><br />{Of course} I'd made a few extra blocks, so I added them as a partial block border around the center.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v4RnpN98tDs/W6U9ORR1-oI/AAAAAAAAt4Q/GjMIVBmp4kILkan86wfLjC2FKrr47Ng_ACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180904_114103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1401" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v4RnpN98tDs/W6U9ORR1-oI/AAAAAAAAt4Q/GjMIVBmp4kILkan86wfLjC2FKrr47Ng_ACKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20180904_114103.jpg" width="560" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Testing HST border around center block</td></tr></tbody></table><br />It doesn't inspire me.<br /><br />For some reason {probably because the fabric was there} I made more HSTs thinking a four block quilt would work. Think of Princess Feathers and other large appliqués. A four block design is a lovely solution. But not here.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gbe2Z_doywk/W6VshqhNt-I/AAAAAAAAt4g/5cyxFupK-c4TVBZYmn9rfucbfxPI6fJGgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180905_114254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1568" data-original-width="1600" height="626" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gbe2Z_doywk/W6VshqhNt-I/AAAAAAAAt4g/5cyxFupK-c4TVBZYmn9rfucbfxPI6fJGgCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20180905_114254.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">A four block arrangement of HSTs</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I don't like this at all. Too uniform; colors and sizes have no variation. {This from the woman who made so many Chinese Coin quilts. They always contain similar size strips. Go figure.} Also, it needs a border but then would be too large.<br /><br />Now I have a huge amount of these HST blocks. At least they aren't Chinese Coin columns. Is morphing them into a new {but unnecessary} arrangement progress?<br /><br />On the 20-minute front, I'm still quilting Color Study Chinese Coins and hope to finish soon.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-glBxiRTdFAk/W6bqG3wKDVI/AAAAAAAAt7U/dCijOLle92gqHt1S5A6l8_d6IVrBcq6jACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180921_172136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-glBxiRTdFAk/W6bqG3wKDVI/AAAAAAAAt7U/dCijOLle92gqHt1S5A6l8_d6IVrBcq6jACKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20180921_172136.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Color Study Chinese Coins still being quilted</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Enjoy the day, AnnAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12922656955543465650noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-231509571353812426.post-22182469782663850702018-09-25T00:00:00.001-07:002018-09-25T08:23:42.495-07:00Second Month of MapsMy map process to date - which has been very slow - is posted on <a href="https://adhocimprovquilts.blogspot.com/2018/09/ahiq-map-quilts-month-2.html" target="_blank">AdHocImprovQuilts</a>. I sketched and erased, thought about the yards, the streets, the neighborhoods that hold significance in my life and decided to start with my grandparents' house.<br /><br />When we were small, the streets were lined with elm trees. Beautiful and mature, they arched over the street, cooling and shading us all. My brother and I whitewashed the trunks every summer. For a quarter. What riches!<br /><br />Mapping all my memories of the times we spent there may take several quilts but I'm starting with a simple map of the neighborhood. I've redrawn it several times; the last attempts are more freehand. I want to emphasize the roads and their offsets more than maintaining an exact block ratio.<br /><br />I wanted to be further along but decided the better choice was to take my time. Here are three colorways I pulled for possible blocks.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hBriTuxcLbQ/W6brHFGPzwI/AAAAAAAAt7g/vNwr8RWpqpcMqUS-LdrI18dh0jYc94BGQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180922_171118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1056" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hBriTuxcLbQ/W6brHFGPzwI/AAAAAAAAt7g/vNwr8RWpqpcMqUS-LdrI18dh0jYc94BGQCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20180922_171118.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fabric choices in three colorways for the map quilt</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Meanwhile, I have a bunch of tops to baste and quilt. I started with the largest one and am halfway through the quilting.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-43G4-YWAb4Y/W6RecuDEUnI/AAAAAAAAt3c/5qvjCSvDf4wkXXmIJTgIoEE23hfZv2WhgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180920_131811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-43G4-YWAb4Y/W6RecuDEUnI/AAAAAAAAt3c/5qvjCSvDf4wkXXmIJTgIoEE23hfZv2WhgCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20180920_131811.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quilting Color Study Chinese Coins</td></tr></tbody></table>So far I'm stitching in the ditch with smoke nylon monofilament on top and cotton thread on bottom. Then I'll pause to determine the next step.<br /><br />Enjoy the day, AnnAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12922656955543465650noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-231509571353812426.post-8469771089658063572018-09-22T03:00:00.001-07:002018-09-22T04:07:15.818-07:00Half Square Triangles and Scraps"But wait. There's still more." My quilting sounds like those late night TV commercials!<br /><br />Although I repurposed the narrow columns from the last attempt at Chinese Coins, the wider columns remain. Those encased columns work better when they are very narrow so the wide ones need a different plan. Taking 6-8" wide columns, I sub-cut them into six-inch squares and got busy combining them with new solids.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M2nKWOjsAoI/W4tai8gdoLI/AAAAAAAAtfc/ElenPeGtb-gqY5eCH6yq85pLvNA7_cKhQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180901_094619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1431" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M2nKWOjsAoI/W4tai8gdoLI/AAAAAAAAtfc/ElenPeGtb-gqY5eCH6yq85pLvNA7_cKhQCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20180901_094619.jpg" width="572" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Six-inch squares of Chinese Coins</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Orange, red, and pink also were cut into squares. Mixing them up made this.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ItUIzL42HA/W48w-MRhzuI/AAAAAAAAtj8/FuukVe5W_0k-xar6GHvzK4xG4MdWvgpXwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180904_114117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1544" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ItUIzL42HA/W48w-MRhzuI/AAAAAAAAtj8/FuukVe5W_0k-xar6GHvzK4xG4MdWvgpXwCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20180904_114117.jpg" title="HST scrap block of warm solids and Chinese Coins" width="616" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HST scrap block of warm solids and Chinese Coins</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I'm very excited about this start, especially because it <i>doesn't look like Chinese Coins!!</i>&nbsp;Amazing. It's a great first day of working on this project.&nbsp;Thanks to <a href="https://saneandcrazy.blogspot.com/2018/07/what-will-20-minutes-day-do-for-you.html" target="_blank">Cathy</a> for promoting 20-minute interval sewing. It's helped me slow down and consider multiple possibilities.<br /><br />Enjoy the day, AnnAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12922656955543465650noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-231509571353812426.post-23501463252840452812018-09-18T03:00:00.000-07:002018-12-07T08:59:46.508-08:00Still Clearing the Scrap BagI've said it before but it's still true. My tiny scrap bag holds an endless amount of scraps and strings. Even though Chinese Coins XI was intended to empty it, the bag looked just as full as always. More sewing was required.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ea9YhfhDLK0/W4gN710LOjI/AAAAAAAAtaQ/K2-GSEu2xKUIsHr4bJunaUr0jcRzxqSVQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180828_122531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1591" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ea9YhfhDLK0/W4gN710LOjI/AAAAAAAAtaQ/K2-GSEu2xKUIsHr4bJunaUr0jcRzxqSVQCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20180828_122531.jpg" width="636" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Extra Coin columns</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Arranged in columns, these do nothing for me. Not good or bad, just very boring. What else could they become?<br /><br />They'd make good borders for a medallion but I finished several recently. However, I keep considering sashing. Now would be a good time to actually try that. Since solids are the largest section of my stash that hasn't been worked with, I pulled some pretty sherbet colors.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yA-AAJBBfrg/W4taWOQZlLI/AAAAAAAAtfY/8dA6jwMkUgU2nscPSOatauxx5zwNkiaTgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180829_104451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="739" data-original-width="1600" height="294" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yA-AAJBBfrg/W4taWOQZlLI/AAAAAAAAtfY/8dA6jwMkUgU2nscPSOatauxx5zwNkiaTgCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20180829_104451.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sherbet solids with a stripe</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Encasing five Coin columns with a different color,&nbsp; I sewed them together, added two rows of tulips above and below. Is it still a Chinese Coin quilt? Well, since I started with Coins and sashing is the traditional way to make a Coins quilt, I'm counting it as such. Chinese Coins XII quilt!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ro1CARt-dIY/W4pzaCb196I/AAAAAAAAtcY/JrQKIffXVRc9oPkra6v0busr9JrCuYClwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180830_073306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1543" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ro1CARt-dIY/W4pzaCb196I/AAAAAAAAtcY/JrQKIffXVRc9oPkra6v0busr9JrCuYClwCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20180830_073306.jpg" title="Chinese Coins XII baby quilt top" width="616" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chinese Coins XII baby quilt top</td></tr></tbody></table><br />It's also an overdue baby quilt for someone special.<br /><br />Enjoy the day, AnnAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12922656955543465650noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-231509571353812426.post-52707683353494002262018-09-15T03:00:00.000-07:002018-09-15T03:00:00.191-07:00Chinese Coins XI TopWhat a fun day! Deep thinking about different prints and how to arrange them to tell the maker's story. I forgot to take photos though but hope to get some as the quilts are finished. That's an advantage of working with your own guild. :-)<br /><br />This top was sewed just in time for the class. I guess I haven't changed that much: still working to the deadline.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HHkajgnYDyc/W34-uw09DDI/AAAAAAAAtL0/G6xtw57PhQMy0cIlVBsBPMTYa7JWWj-9QCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180821_155852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1422" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HHkajgnYDyc/W34-uw09DDI/AAAAAAAAtL0/G6xtw57PhQMy0cIlVBsBPMTYa7JWWj-9QCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20180821_155852.jpg" title="Chinese Coins XI quilt top" width="568" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chinese Coins XI quilt top</td></tr></tbody></table>Since a collage worked so well last time, I made another with the original grouping next to the finished top. They are both diffuse, fairly random arrangements but the final one works better - a soft sorting in quiet {for me} colors. The original pinup had most corals at the top. Additionally, one fabric group was missing which added several columns to the quilt.&nbsp;<br /><br />By pinning smaller "sheets" together I retain the ability to easily move, rotate, remove, and add Coins until it's finished. You can see many changes between the two photos which should give you some idea of the versatility of this method.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zyqh3FjWFuM/W5vVDN31WuI/AAAAAAAAts4/Fa-dkM-xKwg0WwngbT66h-J2kkZLT3DBwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180819_085348-COLLAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zyqh3FjWFuM/W5vVDN31WuI/AAAAAAAAts4/Fa-dkM-xKwg0WwngbT66h-J2kkZLT3DBwCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20180819_085348-COLLAGE.jpg" title="Chinese Coins XI quilt top progress" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Comparing Chinese Coins XI top finished and in progress</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Fabrics cut up quite differently than they look as yardage, especially large scale prints. Just like a good haircut frames your face, they look so polished and confident when they are cut to display to advantage.<br /><br />It's a simple, happy quilt. It cleared out some of my scraps. And it made one more example of fabric sorting for the class. Win. Win. Win.<br /><br />Enjoy the day, AnnAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12922656955543465650noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-231509571353812426.post-52615166157089301042018-09-11T03:00:00.000-07:002018-09-13T20:28:32.062-07:00Demo Day<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">This is a day of remembrance in America. Despite the political turmoil here and abroad, I think most of us hope to coexist peacefully. We need to <b><i>work</i></b> towards that end harder than we merely hope. Everyone we've ever known or heard of has lived on this one small, blue dot in space.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Democracy is not only a form of state, it is not just something that is embodied in a constitution; democracy is a view of life, it requires a belief in human beings, in humanity.... Democracy is a discussion. But the real discussion is possible only if people trust each other and if they try fairly to find the truth.&nbsp;</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>- Tomas Garrigue Masaryk</i><br /><br /></div></div>I'll be at the workshop all day and hope my demonstration goes well. I plan to show how to use the <a href="https://fretnotyourself.blogspot.com/2013/04/finding-value.html" target="_blank">Value Finder</a>, discuss print scale and density, and get everyone started with their own Chinese Coin quilt.<br /><br />I've tagged and bagged samples and demos for the various steps. Planning to teach a technique is quite different than making a quilt. I've stopped at each small step, scratched notes, tried to figure out how and why I made each decision, and made more tops than I ever expected to try to include all these points. Each highlights some but none is perfect. Well, we all know nothing ever is perfect.<br /><br />Since the participants say they are most interested in how I put fabrics together, one simple layout - vertical columns - gives us more time to work with fabric.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><i>Hearing something one hundred times is not as good as seeing it once.&nbsp;</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>- Chinese proverb</i><br /><br /></div>I'm taking all the Coin quilts still on&nbsp;hand. The white/yellow/blue/green Coins might help others visualize different results from the same pile of Coins - from pale yellow-and-white to background to loud-and-proud. Three others showcase used household fabrics, a selected group of red, pink, blue and green fabrics, and finally clearing the scrap bag.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eNumCggFpFU/W3mWirrcnrI/AAAAAAAAtGI/KHwpLarmcy4jy1jcEzpNjyynPZ4RqwWNgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_3226-COLLAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eNumCggFpFU/W3mWirrcnrI/AAAAAAAAtGI/KHwpLarmcy4jy1jcEzpNjyynPZ4RqwWNgCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_3226-COLLAGE.jpg" title="Chinese Coin quilt examples for workshop" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chinese Coin quilt examples for workshop</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Collaged together, they showcase my fabric choices. We all have color combinations and values we prefer and mine show up here although I definitely cut too many yellow and green strips. {Yellow is not one of my usual colors but I'm coming to like it.} Even though those started from the same batch of scraps, they highlight how we can start with one framework but end with different quilts. {Like the two authors and their books from&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Throw_Momma_from_the_Train" target="_blank">Throw Mama From the Train</a>... without the murderous intent. Ha.}<br /><br />Hopefully I can take photos of the day to share later.<br /><br />Enjoy the day, AnnAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12922656955543465650noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-231509571353812426.post-15426990668511337352018-09-08T03:00:00.000-07:002018-09-08T03:00:02.533-07:00Clearing the Scrap BagIt's too much effort to go through the stash although it desperately needs straightening. Clearing the scrap bag is easier. There are lots of whites, lights, and clear colors that remind me of spring or early summer.<br /><br />And I figured another way to sort the scraps for a Coin quilt. First I separated them by color then assigned each fabric to one of three groups. Each has the same number of fabrics in each color but they are different fabrics. Does that make sense?<br /><br />Here's what I have so far. It's only two of the three groups and needs work. Obviously. I pinned the sheets together to get to the length I want but don’t like how they are arranged currently.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1mg1eddNzdg/W3468FRgdCI/AAAAAAAAtLo/qoJvqKqia4sL7tCju7bUL5_aIjlPRcXnACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180819_085348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1263" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1mg1eddNzdg/W3468FRgdCI/AAAAAAAAtLo/qoJvqKqia4sL7tCju7bUL5_aIjlPRcXnACKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20180819_085348.jpg" title="Chinese Coins XI quilt in progress" width="504" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chinese Coins XI in progress</td></tr></tbody></table><br />This is the last top I'm making for the very delayed demonstration at my guild. It was rescheduled to next week. I've already given several of these quilts away; I always do. I had to make some more to have variations to show.<br /><br />Enjoy the day, AnnAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12922656955543465650noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-231509571353812426.post-73097626725515328182018-09-04T03:00:00.001-07:002018-09-07T18:46:41.846-07:00Bars 4 Quilt FinishedCathy's 20 minute method is working well for me. Forty minutes total is about all I can do in a day. I like moving two or three projects along, especially when I can only work for short times anyway.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T5RRBxjBvPo/W3ypziG5jvI/AAAAAAAAtK0/oLn_ENAy4bIwdMT_S1SnsjzkATaymv0nACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180821_163734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1357" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T5RRBxjBvPo/W3ypziG5jvI/AAAAAAAAtK0/oLn_ENAy4bIwdMT_S1SnsjzkATaymv0nACKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20180821_163734.jpg" title="Bars 4 quilt, Chinese Coins variation" width="542" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bars 4 quilt</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The back used up larger remnants and some extra strips. Always a win in my book.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5ozAotu5te4/W38PvjkSsCI/AAAAAAAAtOE/tGDHp8vkOfQoFmoyvsptLdMO5hCJON4LwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180823_120559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1380" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5ozAotu5te4/W38PvjkSsCI/AAAAAAAAtOE/tGDHp8vkOfQoFmoyvsptLdMO5hCJON4LwCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20180823_120559.jpg" title="Back of Bars 4 quilt" width="552" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back of Bars 4 quilt</td></tr></tbody></table><br />With so many bright colors in the top the only binding that looked right was a dull tannish brown chambray. Ok, several of the darker brights looked good but there wasn't enough yardage. As usual with the size quilts I make it took over half a yard. Note to self: occasionally purchase more than half a yard in order to have binding choices.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1wLpaHm-O4/W38RMJty5gI/AAAAAAAAtOU/KiVrPgLACQAghKaGmWoAPdm663oQxTNzwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180823_120722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1wLpaHm-O4/W38RMJty5gI/AAAAAAAAtOU/KiVrPgLACQAghKaGmWoAPdm663oQxTNzwCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20180823_120722.jpg" title="Binding and quilting detail, Bars 4 quilt" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Binding and quilting detail, Bars 4 quilt</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Basic straight-line quilting with the walking foot is still my preferred design. These strong graphics don't need competition. This time, the stitching runs across the quilt. Perhaps that will keep certain gentlemen from breaking the threads as they pull the quilt up. {Naming no names.}<br /><br /><br /><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">Quilt Details</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">Size: 78" x 65"</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">Design: Bars variation of Chinese Coins</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">Batting: Mountain Mist Blue Ribbon100% cotton</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">Thread: grey Gutermann cotton thread</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">Quilting: Straight lines with walking foot</span></span></div><br />Previous posts:<br />1. <a href="https://fretnotyourself.blogspot.com/2018/07/bars-4-quilt-by-mistake.html" target="_blank">Piecing the top</a><br />2. <a href="https://fretnotyourself.blogspot.com/2018/08/using-little-bits-of-time.html" target="_blank">Quilting Bars 4</a><br /><br />Enjoy the day, AnnAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12922656955543465650noreply@blogger.com29